Ectomycorrhizal fungal communities of Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra) depend on climate and tree age in natural forests of the Alps.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Pinus cembra represent a typical and important tree species growing in European subalpine and alpine habitats. The ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal communities associated to this tree under natural conditions are largely unknown.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the ECM fungal abundance and composition at four high-altitude sites (two northern-exposed and two southern-exposed habitats) in South Tyrol (Italy), and included also two different age classes of P. cembra. The ECM partners were characterized morphologically, and identified by rDNA ITS sequence analysis.

Results

The degree of mycorrhization in adult P. cembra was typically 100% in these natural habitats, with a total species diversity of 20 ECM species. The four high

SUBMITTER: Mandolini E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11420379 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature